Research Associate, SDD

Job Description

The Virginia Tech National Security Institute’s (VTNSI) Spectrum Dominance Division (SDD) is seeking to fill an early- or mid-career research associate position, joining our team for various technical areas including but not limited to: threat weapon system analysis, reverse engineering design, and cognitive radar and electronic warfare (EW) algorithm development.

With a presence in both Blacksburg, VA and Washington D.C. metro areas, VTNSI serves dual missions of (1) performing cutting edge research and development for externally sponsored Department of Defense and Intelligence Community programs and (2) cultivating the next generation of national security workforce and thought leaders by engaging students in curricular, extracurricular, and research and development opportunities. As one of the fastest growing thematic research institutes at Virginia Tech, sponsors and collaborators benefit from VTNSI through both highly experienced student talent pipelines and senior technical leadership that addresses some of our nation’s greatest national security challenges and threats.

VTNSI’s SDD is a leader in research and development of national security technologies and solutions for maintaining radio frequency spectrum superiority. Key areas of focus include resilience of commercial wireless infrastructures and technologies (5G and beyond), development of signal processing algorithms for spectrum awareness (signal detection, estimation, classification, etc.), next generation radio hardware and front-ends (antenna design, multiple aperture arrays, etc.), and the general application of state-of-the-art AI/ML within the radio frequency spectrum space.

To help achieve the overarching aspirations of VTNSI, and the specific technical goals of the SDD, we are looking for applicants with expertise in radar, EW, antenna design and analysis, AI/ML techniques, and reverse engineering. Prior professional experience in these areas is not a prerequisite but at least some academic or hands-on background is required. The candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

General activities of this position will consist of:
• Applying engineering fundamentals and concepts from academia to research and analysis tasks in focus areas such as radar, EW, and antennas.
• Learning more advanced technical concepts of assigned programs (through both independent learning as well as through program mentors).
• Developing simulation environments in either Python or Matlab for analysis tasks in radar, EW, and antennas.
• Researching foreign design philosophies and techniques to perform threat representative reverse engineering design.
• Applying AI/ML techniques to cognitive radar and EW research domains.
• Performing technical writing and oral briefings on research and analysis results for sponsor meetings.
• Participating in research paper writing and business development proposal writing (as desired).

Required Qualifications

• Given the nature of the research and requirements from federal sponsors, the candidate must be a US citizen.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• An earned Master’s degree or an earned Bachelor’s degree and significant experience in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related STEM discipline to the position summary.
• Prior experience with radio frequency (RF) applications, specifically in radar or EW.
• Ability to convey technical research and analysis through effective communication communication.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a research or analysis team in executing sponsored projects.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Matlab, or C++.
• Familiarity with AI/ML development toolkits (e.g. PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, Open AI).
• Familiarity with high frequency electromagnetic design tools such as HFSS.
• Prior experience with software reverse engineering tools such as IDA Pro or Ghidra.

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

commensurate with experience

Review Date

October 14, 2024

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our work, all applicants must be US citizens and be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jesse Lippard at (jklippard@vt.edu) during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.